As Congress debates the future of enhanced Marketplace premium tax credits (PTCs), Urban Institute analysis finds that 4.8 million people will lose coverage in 2026 if PTCs are allowed to expire. This 21 percent increase in the uninsured population would disproportionately affect non-Hispanic Black people, non-Hispanic white people, and young adults.
The enhanced PTCs have led to record-high enrollment in the Marketplaces at all income levels,” said Matthew Buettgens, senior fellow at the Urban Institute. “If Congress does not extend enhanced PTCs, these gains will be reversed and the self-employed and small businesses who rely on the Marketplaces will have fewer options for affordable health coverage.”
